Chapter 11
Kristy’s cheeks felt like they were on fire as they headed back to the ranch house on their respective horses. Why had she allowed him to kiss her? Why had she kissed him back?
Because she wanted to be with him. That was the simple but oh-so-complicated fact. No denying it now. One look at the wide grin gracing his handsome face as he rode alongside her told her there was no going back.
“I know this might be pushing it”—he said, turning his head toward her —but how about going out tonight? If you have the time? Just for a bite to eat. Just for an hour or two.”
He looked so eager as the sun glinted off his eyes.
Ariel had texted her that she had a date tonight, so Kristy would be eating alone. And she certainly didn’t feel like eating alone, or cooking.
All good reasons, but the real reason, if she was being honest, was that she wanted to see him. And after kissing him, after making out like teenagers, there was no reason to pretend anymore.
“Sure. But just for an hour or so.” She did have to work on the spreadsheets she used to keep everything organized.
“What time?”
She needed to talk with Lexi about the straw bales, and she’d need to shower. “Is seven too late?”
A big grin filled his face, an expression she’d come to love on him. “Perfect.”
Though she wasn’t sure how she’d gotten to this spot so fast, she couldn’t say she was sorry. Not yet, anyway. Only now she’d have to guard her heart even more. She would not start building dreams of a future together, as she had with Dean. She’d live in the here and now, and when it ended, as it invariably would, she’d move on with no regrets. That was her mantra now. No regrets.
“Just to be clear. I’m not looking for a serious relationship.” At least not for the foreseeable future.
“Works for me.”
“So this is the person who’s going to give us a rootin’ tootin’ Boots and Bells gala.” An older version of Rusty’s sister June, with blond hair in a pageboy cut and a twinkle in her blue eyes, held out her hand. “Jewel Russell.”
Kristy shook it as she took in the cozy kitchen dominated by a large trestle wood table. “Kristy Winslow. And I hope to.” Jewel’s grip was firm before she released.
Jewel wore a gray T-shirt emblazoned with the Wyoming signature bucking bronc and rider, jeans cinched with a wide buckle, and black sneakers. Thin and wiry and average height, next to her son she could pass for petite.
There had been no getting out of meeting Rusty’s mother, since Kristy had to talk with Lexi about the bales. She hadn’t wanted to insult the woman, so she’d accepted the invitation to sample some of the baking that Rusty and Lexi had raved about. Not a baker herself, it had been a while since Kristy had tasted home-baked goodies.
The sweet smell of fresh-baked peaches scented the air. The culprit sat in a glass dish on the counter, covered by a checkered towel. Her mouth watered at the thought. Or maybe it was thoughts of those kisses she’d just shared with Jewel’s son.
She glanced over at Rusty, who was pulling out a chair for her.
He seemed totally unaffected with what had transpired less than half an hour before. Except for that grin on his face.
She sat in the chair. Rusty slipped into the one beside her.
“You ready for some peach cobbler?” Jewel asked. “First of the season.”
“Ready and waiting.” Rusty laid his hat on the table.
With that there was a clicky-clacky sound, and Lexi appeared from the hallway. “No starting without me.”
“You get the coffees poured.” Jewel directed the comment at Lexi.
“I can help.” Kristy started to rise, but Rusty laid a hand on her arm to stop her.
“You sit, Kristy. Lexi’s got this,” Jewel replied, in a tone that brooked no argument.
Within minutes coffees were poured and a piece of peach cobbler sat in front of each person, on small plates decorated with a horse and accompanied by the requisite spoons and forks. Milk and sugar were in their respective receptacles within reach.
Lexi and Jewel sat across from them.
Kristy swallowed her first bite of the rich, dense confection infused with a sweet peachy taste. Delicious.
“So what made you decide to move to the Gillette area for your business? I would think that Cheyenne, where Rusty said you hail from, was a better market for events, what with it being the seat of state government,” Lexi asked.
Kristy had just taken a sip of hot coffee, so she let it settle before she answered. “You’re right about Cheyenne. It’s a great market. I was the point person in Cheyenne before moving here. But my boss wants to branch out. And because of the convention complex, she felt like this would be a good area.”
Jewel leaned in. “I’m sure it’s a great area. If we know how to use the services. Most people just cook the food and do the decorations themselves.”
“For many, that’s fine. For those who want something more, we’re available.”
“An Affair to Remember comes highly recommended,” Lexi chimed in. “The event company we’d used before had come in with a really high bid and didn’t seem all that interested. I think they may have lost money on the last one. We didn’t get quite the ticket sales we’d hoped, and as you know, our agreement is that your fee is calculated as a percent of the ticket sales.”
A detail Marcia had failed to mention. Kristy hadn’t had time to look at the contract, since Marcia had negotiated it. “Any idea how we’re doing there?”
“We’re up year to date. And the mock-up of the poster Ariel created was super. We put a graphic of it on the website right away while we wait for the posters to be printed. The bail-out-of-jail feature is already creating buzz from people speculating about who is going to go to jail.” She glanced over at her brother.
“What is that, exactly?” Jewel asked.
“Rusty can tell you. He signed up,” Kristy answered.
“Under duress.” He winked at Kristy. “But I’ll let Kristy explain it.”
Kristy cleared her throat. “Well, it’s sort of like a bachelor or bachelorette auction. You’ve heard of them?”
“Not sure I have.” Jewel looked more amused than confused.
“Well, an eligible bachelor or bachelorette agrees to have a date, but in this case it’s a dance, with the winning bidder. The bid money goes into the funds raised.”
“Is this how people meet nowadays?” Jewel shook her head.
“Well, it is for charity.’ Lexi shrugged. “And apparently has some appeal, if ticket sales are any indicator.”
“And you’ve signed up?” Jewel looked at her son.
Rusty nodded. “I promised. And got Stetson and Mel to go along too. Colby’s thinking about it.”
“Well, I guess it’s no different than selling kisses, like they used to back in the day.”
Rusty grinned. “Did you sign up to sell kisses back in the day?”
Jewel waved a hand. “Before my time. Any ladies signed up?”
Kristy shrugged. “There are definitely more men at the moment. We shall see. We’re still collecting names.”
Lexi leaned both elbows on the table. “It’s something different. I think that’s what An Affair to Remember is giving us this year. Something different. And if ticket sales continue at this rate, it means the community is willing to support it.”
Jewel nodded in Kristy’s direction. “And you came up with this idea?”
“Well, Ariel, the artistic director, is the creative one. I’m the one who makes her ideas work.”
“Like the maze? Did you make a decision?” Lexi asked.
“Straw. Rusty thinks I’ll need two hundred bales. Can you do that?”
“I think so. If not, I’m sure I can get one of the farmers to pitch in.”
“Great. That will be one less thing to worry about.” And Kristy had been worrying because, truth be told, they’d never done one before.
“You’re making a maze?” Jewel asked. “Now that is different. I think I’m looking forward to this gala.”
Kristy felt a little ping of pride as the door opened behind them and a rush of warm air teased her back. She turned, and there was an older version of Rusty. Slightly shorter, not as muscular, but with a similar twinkle in his eye. Clearly Rusty’s father.
“I hope you saved some for me,” the man said as he placed his hat on one of the hooks by the door and ambled to the sink to wash his hands.
“You knew I would,” Jewel answered.
Rusty’s father strode over and planted a kiss on Jewel’s cheek. Then he picked up a plate of peach cobbler off the counter, where it had been waiting for him, grabbed a cup and filled it with coffee, and sat at the head of the table.
He reached out a hand to Kristy. “Ian Russell. You must be Kristy.”
Kristy shook his hand. It was rough, callused, and warm. “Yes. Kristy Winslow. Nice to meet you.”
“Likewise.” He picked up his fork and took a bite of cobbler. “You’re coordinating the gala, aren’t you?”
“And what they have lined up, you won’t believe,” Jewel said. “I’ll fill you in later, but it will be fun. Can’t wait to go.”
Ian turned his blue-eyed gaze on Kristy.
She searched her mind for something to say. “Rusty said you live most of the year in New Mexico. Must be nice to come back and spend some time here.”
“It’s where our children are, where my grandson lives, so yes, it is nice.” Jewel answered the question while Ian polished off his piece of cobbler. “Ian just can’t deal with the winters anymore, and neither can I. But from May to September we just love being here. We’re fortunate that things worked out the way they did.” Jewel reached over and patted Lexi’s hand. “And that Rusty is back home.” She turned her attention to her son. “Now if you just get a word from the town, you’d be all set.”
“I passed the tests, so should be just a matter of timing. Seems they aren’t in much of a rush since the training isn’t until September.”
“I just hope it will be settled before we go back.”
Ian set down his fork, the plate devoid of any remnant of peach cobbler. “We’re proud of Rusty. For serving his country and wanting to serve his town.”
So different from her father’s reaction to her career choice.
“This cobbler is one of your best, Jewel.” Ian shoved the empty plate to the side.
“It was just delicious, Mrs. Russell.” Kristy had gotten so caught up in the conversation, and trying to make a good impression, she’d forgotten to give Jewel Russell her sincere compliments. The sweet peach taste lingered in her mouth, and she had to resist the urge to lick her lips.
“Call me Jewel. Mrs. Russell was my mother-in-law, God rest her soul.” Jewel smiled over the rim of her raised coffee cup.
Such a different dynamic than with her parents. If she was lucky, she’d never have to introduce Rusty to them.
***
Once everyone had left, including Kristy, Rusty lingered a minute in the kitchen with his mother. He’d practically had to push Lexi out the door, telling her he’d join her in a minute. But at the urging of their father, she’d gone to check on the horses. His sister was too much into other people’s business.
He’d wanted to get his mother’s take on Kristy. She’d always had a good sense about people. She also didn’t hold back her opinions. So if he was patient, he’d no doubt get an earful.
He brought the plates and cups over to the counter as his mother loaded the dishwasher. He glanced out the window as the clouds rolled over the sunshine. Seemed Kristy had taken some brightness with her when she left. At least that was how it felt.
He’d hoped his mother would comment before he had to hoof it out to the corral.
His mom placed the last dish in the dishwasher, closed the door, and straightened. “She seems nice.” It was noncommittal.
“She is.”
“Lexi says you’re interested in her.” Her hands shifted to her hips. “That true?”
He didn’t remember saying something to Lexi, but leave it to his sister to insert herself, even when she wasn’t in the room. No sense lying. He nodded.
“Is she interested in you?” Her lips pursed, and her tone demanded an answer.
“I think so.” After that kiss, he’d say a resounding yes, but he didn’t want to get ahead of things.
“You think so?”
“We’re in the getting-to-know-you phase.”
“How long does that take?” She folded her arms over her chest.
“I don’t know.” This wasn’t going as he’d hoped. Maybe he didn’t want to hear her opinion. “What I do know is that I’m approaching thirty years old and my relationships are my business, Ma.” And the fact he wasn’t marriage material, as much as he wanted to be.
She leaned against the counter. “Oh. I thought maybe you brought her in so you could get some input. Sorry if I misunderstood.”
He sighed. “I do want to know what you think. But maybe you should get to know her first before passing judgment?” Like he should have gotten to know her better before she met his mother.
“I’ll reserve judgment until then.” She pushed off the counter, as if ready to leave the room.
Clearly she had an opinion, and better to hear it now. “Okay. You win. What do you think of her?”
“Do you really want to know?”
“Yes. I really want to know.” He crossed his arms over his chest. They were in a stand-off before an opinion had even been given.
“She’s pretty, so I see the attraction. But she seems very work centered.”
“Lexi is her client, so I think she naturally was talking about her work.”
“I’m sure that’s it. But she didn’t seem all that interested in… well, she’s meeting your family for the first time. You’d think she’d have some questions for us.”
Now he’d heard everything. “She didn’t ask enough questions for you?”
“I just didn’t get the sense that she’s… as interested as I would have expected.”
“We’re having our first date tonight. If it wasn’t for her coming out here for the event, you wouldn’t have met her for a few months at least.” Or maybe never, at the rate this conversation was going.
“Well, I’m glad I did get a chance to meet her then. So I know what’s going on. I just don’t want you to get in too deep before you know that she’s as into you as you seem to be into her.”
Guess it was obvious. “Noted. And I’m not looking to get in too deep, so no need to worry.”
She took a step forward, stood on tippy-toes, grasped his face between her two hands, and pulled it toward her. His mother might be little, but she was strong. “If you say so. I just don’t want to see you hurt. I know what Tamara did to you.”
“That was a decade ago. I was a kid then. I’m a grown man now. I can handle my love life.”
She kissed his cheek and stepped back. “Just be careful.”
***
“I can’t believe you’re going out with him tonight. Finally.” Ariel, with a towel wrapped around her body, stood in the doorway to Kristy’s bedroom. She rubbed another towel over her wet hair as Kristy shimmied into a strappy pink sundress.
Ariel squinted. “What happened to change your mind?”
Kristy shrugged, trying desperately not to convey all that had happened and hoping she wouldn’t blush. The kissing, meeting his parents, holding hands. In an instant they’d become a couple. And she’d been so determined they’d be just friends. Her mind was still reeling from the prospect. The saving grace was that he didn’t want serious either. Something she needed to remember. “I decided you were right. I need to get out more.”
Ariel walked into the room and sat down on the edge of Kristy’s bed, mainly because several tops and pairs of jeans already occupied most of the bed space. Kristy had been trying on clothes since she’d gotten out of the shower. Her room wasn’t big, but it was more room than she’d had in the previous apartment, and yet she’d managed to fill it up with just a few pieces of white furniture and several stacks of clothes she’d yet to put away in the closet. She’d been telling herself that she wanted to get a closet organizer before putting clothes in it, but somehow she hadn’t found the time yet. She hadn’t even made the bed that morning, not that the old throw she used as a bedspread would have made the room look any better.
“Something happened. You’re blushing.”
Kristy’s hand flew to her cheeks and felt the warmth. No sense keeping secrets from Ariel. “We kissed.”
“You kissed?” Ariel practically squealed the words. “Dish. It must have been good.”
It was better than good. “Let’s just say if I were standing, I would have been knocked off my feet.”
“So you weren’t standing?” Ariel winked. “Where were you?”
“We rode out…”
“On horses?”
Kristy nodded.
“How romantic,” Ariel whispered.
“I did love getting back on a horse. He said we could do it again. Soon.”
“Kissing?” Ariel teased.
“Riding.” Kristy couldn’t help the smirk. “And kissing. I hope.”
“So you were riding and…” Ariel waved her arm.
“And we came to the straw bales. I wanted to get a sense of how big so I’d know how many. We slid off the horses and sat down on one.” That must have been what did it. He was so close she couldn’t help but touch him. The situation had been too tempting. “And one minute we were talking about straw bales, and the next…” Kristy let her voice trail off as she thought about what had come next. The connection, the desperation for more. It had awakened a hunger, a thirst. Scary and exhilarating at the same time.
“Did he go for French kissing?”
This was the problem with telling Ariel anything. She wanted every detail. “ I did.”
Ariel’s smirk was so annoying. “And then what?”
“We kissed some more and then headed back on the horses.” Holding hands a few times as the horses came together. It was sweet and, as Ariel said, romantic.
“So he asked you out for tonight?”
“And invited me back to the house because his mother had baked a scrumptious peach cobbler. I couldn’t say no to either.” And by then she hadn’t wanted to.
“You met his mother? I mean, that’s not supposed to happen for, like, three months or more.”
Kristy chuckled as she slipped on a pair of rhinestone-studded black western boots. “Believe me, I was totally unprepared for it, but he has the nicest parents.”
“You met his father too?”
Kristy nodded as she fluffed up her hair. “Rusty is a younger, taller version of his dad.” And more handsome, at least in her eyes.
“This sounds serious.”
Kristy stared down at Ariel. “And that is exactly one thing it’s not going to be. I’ve told him this is just casual, and good news, he doesn’t want serious either. I’m not going to allow myself to get hurt again. No one is going to do to me what Dean did. No one.”
“He’s not anything like Dean, Kristy. Even I can see that.”
She wagged a finger at Ariel. “Cheaters come in all shapes and sizes. They are also great at fooling people.” She stepped to the mirror and picked up a tube of mascara. “I’m definitely not jumping into anything. My heart is just fine where it is. Who are you getting ready for? Stetson?”
“I wish. Mel called me up. Wants to go to a honky-tonk tonight. He said he loves dancing, and so do I, so we’re going.”
“Sounds like fun. Stetson’s never called you, has he?”
Ariel sighed. “Nope. Doesn’t seem interested. Maybe you could get your boyfriend to dish on what’s up with him.”
“Mel’s not a candidate?”
Ariel shook her head. “The man has no ambition. Content to be a ranch hand. Nice guy, but hasn’t a clue what he wants to do when he grows up.”
“Ranch hand could be a nice life.”
“For a single guy with no responsibilities. I want a family in my future.”
“Says the free spirit of the group.”
Ariel sniffed. “Only one free spirit in a relationship. If I’m going to survive in this adult world, I need a man who takes responsibility seriously… so I don’t have to.”
There was a knock at the door.
“Yours or mine?” Kristy checked her watch. It was just past six thirty, but maybe Rusty was the anxious type.